Patriots Veteran Throws Teammates Under the Bus While Begging to Stay in New England

The NFL trade deadline is right around the corner and teams around the league are looking at rosters like the New England Patriots who are already out of the playoff race. Sitting at 1-6 after six straight losses, the Patriots are assumed to be sellers at the Nov. 5 deadline.

One of those players on the radar of contenders is veteran wide receiver Kendrick Bourne. The 29-year-old is rumored to be on the shortlist of the San Francisco 49ers, his former team before he signed with New England in 2021 free agency. The 49ers lost star receiver Brandon Aiyuk for the season and need reinforcements. Bringing in a familiar face like Bourne makes a ton of sense on paper.

When asked about it, however, Bourne didn't sound too interested in a reunion. Instead, he revealed that he wanted to be a foundational piece, per Patriots insider Doug Kyed.

Patriots News: Kendrick Bourne Throws Cold Water on Trade Rumors

This is particularly surprising in the context of other things he has recently said. MassLive's Mark Daniels reported on Bourne's frustrations with his teammates. After the Patriots' Week 7 loss to the Jaguars, the veteran receiver called out his teammates for not being locked in, and "staying up all night and eating whatever".

"So going out overseas, we have to be locked in. I’m not trying to point nobody out, but it’s just we have to focus on what matters. You can go out, but what really matters while we’re here?"

- Kendrick Bourne on Jags loss in London

Bourne added that he wants to mentor the young players and help them grow up. While that is admirable, whether airing out your teammates' shortcomings publicly is a good idea is up for debate. For Patriots fans, this is just the latest in the long list of locker room drama and organizational chaos this season.

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